The Zirconium Oxide Expert... Zircoa, Inc.

This information is intended to answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the processes and
classes of ceramic and refractory products we produce using
Zirconium Oxide and the people that produce
them.

The materials backbone of Zircoa is our own
Zirconium Oxide raw materials plant. An exclusive
thermo-chemical process converts Zirconium Silicate to Zirconium Oxide. Produced in abundance, our
Zirconium Oxide serves the needs of not only our
customers, but also our competitor’s.

Products from Zircoa provide science and industry with a means to develop, produce and deliver what
may otherwise be impossible to achieve, but Zircoa’s accomplishments are not accidental. Zircoa,
Inc. finds ways to involve all employees and consistently demand changes in how things are
accomplished.

The Company

In 1952, in the fires of a box kiln, within what was once an old Cleveland Police Department horse
barn, a new refractory was created. A combination of raw materials, engineering, chemistry, research
and finance were successfully combined and transformed to answer the special needs of a customer. In
the process, a new company was also created — Zirconium Corporation of America, which was later
to become Zircoa, Inc.

Zircoa relocated to Solon, Ohio in 1953, and remains there today. Over the past 45 years they have
continued to grow their facility, now occupying almost 3 acres. Company ownership changed several times
throughout its history. In 2010 Zircoa became a privately owned corporation. They are committed to keep
manufacturing companies and jobs in Northeast Ohio, with leadership in material technology and
manufacturing practices that are globally competitive.

Our People

Teamwork at Zircoa has not only resulted in on-going product improvement, it has produced
significant productivity increases. Zircoa’s team is strong and effective because everyone shares
in the challenge of running the business. Zircoa’s gain sharing program truly involves the entire
company, and has even won the praise of union leadership: “It helps people work together for
common goals… It is the engine that makes this place run.”

As Zircoa begins its second half-century, we remain sensitive to our customers, and are wholly
committed to invention, innovation and the manufacture of quality products.

Our Processes

Zircoa, Inc. engineers and manufactures specialty ceramic materials. Our products are made from a
combination of Zirconium Oxide and one of three
stabilizers, depending upon the application. Zircoa uses traditional ceramic processes to shape these
formulas, including: pressing or casting.

The green bodies are fired from several hours to several days at temperatures exceeding 3000°F,
then cooled to room temperature. The transformation may not end there. Many products require
final finishing, including: grinding, sawing or polishing.

2. Specialty Refractories(www.zircoa.com/coarse.grain)— Specialty Refractory products are
typically porous and rough-looking, and are often used in environments where thermal shock resistance
is important. Specialty Refractory products include: